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Sportin’ an Attitude…of Kingdom Outreach
By Paul | April 27, 2007
Kent Ladendorf can be seen lining the soccer fields of Bethel and coordinating teams for the sports ministry. His heart is to use sports as an avenue for outreach, and it’s playing out in front of us. Kent went to a conference along these lines last week to tell us about, and has some practical prayer pointers for all of us as well.
1. I heard you went to a conference last week. What was it about, and what were the main benefits of you being there?
The conference was put on by CSRM, The Association of Church Sports & Recreation Ministers. This was their annual summit designed to train and equip those of us involved in sports and recreation ministries. A variety of workshops were offered on a range of topics from principles for practical application of programs to new trends in ministry to the theology behind this type of ministry. Networking with other people involved in the same type of kingdom work was very helpful. I got to hear about exciting new programs others are using, ways they are improving current offerings and their dreams about the future. I even got to play a little golf and basketball while I was there.
2. How did what you learned impact your vision for the sports ministry at Bethel?
First, I see that God is using sports and recreation all around the country and world to bring those who don’t know Him through a wide open door. Second, I’m even more convinced that the programs, events and activities we offer must be purpose driven. Our primary reason for being is to give those in the body of Christ a casual, comfortable place to invite those in their circles of influence to take a step toward Jesus. And, finally, we at Bethel are not alone as we wrestle with effective ways to move folks from sports programs toward a connection with the local church.
3.What are you excited about in ministry that is coming up in the next several months?
In our third year of both Upward Soccer and CBS Sports Camp, this time of year brings a lot of excitement preparation for another year. We always have many volunteers (who, by the way, are the greatest highlight for me), lots of children and lots of those new to activities with spiritual connections. I am particularly excited about a new venture called LifeLinks. This Jr. Golf Instructional League will give 7 to 17 year olds the chance to learn the game of golf, have some fun competitions and hear the connections between athletics, golf etiquette and Biblical principles.
4. How can a small group leader support you in your ministry?
All of our programs take many volunteers. Upward Soccer needs 50+ coaches and it is amazingly easy to step into the role because of the resources offered by Upward. We have a number of people who have never coached or played soccer that have done a fantastic job simply by following the guidelines and instruction book and DVD.
Inviting those outside the body of Christ to join us is another great way to support this ministry. It is why we exist and we desire for people to be mindful of these great invite opportunities.
And, of course, pray. Pray that all the volunteers we need would step right up, that those necessary for leadership roles would be identified and that we would follow God’s heart when deciding what programs, activities and events to add.
5. We are all looking to become better leaders. What tip can you give us all to keep us “on mission”?
The apostle Paul liked to use sports analogies. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 says it pretty well, “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” We are called to a disciplined life. Later, in chapter 10 verse 33 Paul explains why, “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved”. Seeking the good of others over my own is definitely a quality of a Christ-like leader.
6. Personal Question: as an athlete yourself since childhood, what have been the similarities between how you play sports and how you live your life?
I have to admit I’m competitive. I don’t like to lose when I’m in a game. That has tempered over the years, but it has always driven me to do my best and try my hardest. Hopefully, that carries over into everyday life. I’ve also learned that to get good at something you have to put in the time to do the individual work. Refining skills, discipline, sacrifice, determination, persistence and a healthy view of competition are all lessons that can be learned in athletics. By God’s grace, some of those qualities are in my life.
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